Illegal immigrants held in blitz on dodgy car washes & nail bars

Rogue employers face hefty fines

At least 75 illegal migrants were held in a Home Office blitz on dodgy car washes and nail bars, leading to hundreds of rogue employers facing hefty fines. The crackdown targeted shady workplaces across Britain, with more than 225 businesses visited and 122 notices issued for employing illegal workers.

Crackdown on illegal workers

Illegal workers were detained by immigration enforcement teams during the week-long operation, with rogue bosses now facing fines of £45,000 per illegal worker for a first offense and £60,000 for repeat violations. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has pledged to expel over 14,000 illegal immigrants in the next six months.

Living in squalid conditions

The Home Office reported that many illegal workers live in squalid conditions on-site, earning below the minimum wage and facing exploitation. Unscrupulous employers not only undercut honest businesses but also evade paying taxes, contributing to the issue. Director General of Home Office Immigration Enforcement, Bas Javid, highlighted the alarming living scenarios his team encountered during the crackdown.

Challenges for the government

Tackling illegal immigration and small boats remains a significant challenge for the new Labour Government, with critics questioning the efficacy of deterrent measures following the discontinuation of the Tories’ Rwanda scheme. This move has left authorities unable to deport individuals from unsafe countries like Syria, Iran, and Afghanistan.